When did the New Year’s Day in Japan start?
About New Year’s Day in Japan Holiday
As the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, the vibrant energy of Japan can be felt all around. The country is preparing to celebrate one of its most important and cherished holidays – New Year's Day. For travelers, this is an incredible opportunity to immerse themselves in Japanese culture and witness unique traditions that have been passed down for centuries.
In Japan, New Year's Day, or Shogatsu, is a time of reflection, renewal, and family gatherings. As the first day of the year, it holds great significance as a fresh start and a chance to leave behind any negativity from the previous year. The streets are adorned with colorful decorations, and temples and shrines are visited by locals to pray for good fortune and prosperity for the coming year.
One of the most iconic traditions of New Year's Day in Japan is the ringing of the temple bells. The sound of 108 bells symbolizes the number of desires and temptations that humans have and serves as a reminder to let go of these worldly desires. Another popular tradition is the practice of giving otoshidamas, or monetary gifts, to children and relatives as a symbol of good luck.
Whether you're admiring the stunning fireworks display at Tokyo Tower or savoring traditional New Year's dishes like ozoni and osechi with a local family, experiencing New Year's Day in Japan is truly a one-of-a-kind cultural experience. So why not start your year off with a bang and explore the rich traditions and customs of this beautiful country?
New Year’s Day in Japan: A Cultural Celebration Full of Tradition and Meaning
Key Takeaways:
- New Year’s Day, or “Shōgatsu,” is one of the most important holidays in Japan.
- It has a long history and is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and traditions.
- Many symbols, decorations, and customs are associated with the holiday.
- Traditional dishes, music, and attire are all a part of the New Year’s celebration.
- People in Japan celebrate the holiday with family gatherings, temple visits, and other traditional activities.
History and Origin:
New Year’s Day, or “Shōgatsu,” is a significant holiday in Japan that marks the beginning of a new year. It has been celebrated in Japan since ancient times and has deep roots in Japanese culture and traditions.
The origins of New Year’s Day in Japan can be traced back to the Chinese New Year, which was introduced to Japan during the 8th century. However, the holiday has evolved over time and has become uniquely Japanese.
Traditionally, the Japanese used to follow the lunar calendar, which marked the New Year’s Day in the first month of the year. But with the adoption of the Gregorian calendar in 1873, the holiday was fixed on January 1st.
Significance and Meaning:
In Japan, New Year’s Day is more than just a holiday, it is a time for reflection, renewal, and new beginnings. It is a time when people gather with their families and loved ones to celebrate and thank the gods for their blessings and pray for a prosperous year ahead.
For many Japanese, the holiday is also a time to honor their ancestors and connect with their roots. This is reflected in the traditional customs and activities associated with the celebration, such as visiting temples and shrines to pray for good fortune and success.
Symbols and Decorations:
Like many other holidays, New Year’s Day in Japan has its own set of symbols and decorations that are deeply ingrained in Japanese culture and tradition.
One of the most iconic symbols is the kadomatsu, a decoration made of pine, bamboo, and plum branches that is placed in front of homes and businesses to welcome the gods of the New Year. Another popular decoration is the shimekazari, a rope made of straw and adorned with sea bream, ferns, and other auspicious items.
Other symbols associated with the holiday include the daruma doll, which represents good luck and perseverance, and the kagami mochi, a traditional New Year’s decoration made of stacked rice cakes.
Traditions and Celebrations:
New Year’s Day in Japan is celebrated with various traditions and customs that have been passed down from generation to generation.
One of the most popular traditions is the New Year’s Eve soba, where people eat buckwheat noodles on New Year’s Eve to symbolize longevity and good luck. On New Year’s Day, many people also participate in “hatsumōde,” a custom where they visit a shrine or temple to pray for blessings and success in the coming year.
Another essential tradition is the exchange of “osechi ryōri,” a special New Year’s meal that is packed in beautifully decorated boxes and includes various dishes with symbolic meanings, such as fish for good luck and beans for health and longevity.
Food and Cuisine:
Food plays a significant role in the New Year’s celebration in Japan, with various traditional dishes that have special meanings.
Besides the soba and osechi ryōri mentioned above, other popular dishes during the holiday include “ozōni,” a soup made with mochi and vegetables, and “toshikoshi soba,” a type of soba eaten on New Year’s Eve. Drinking “toso,” a sweet sake with medicinal properties, is also a common tradition during the holiday.
It is also worth noting that many Japanese people have recently adopted Western-style celebrations, with some even opting for a Christmas-like dinner on New Year’s Eve.
Attire and Costumes:
Just like other traditional events in Japan, New Year’s Day also has specific attire and costumes associated with it.
One common outfit worn during the holiday is the “kimonos,” a traditional Japanese garment that is usually reserved for special occasions. Depending on the person’s age, status, and preference, the kimono can vary in color, pattern, and design.
Some people also wear “happi coats” and “yukatas,” which are comfortable and casual versions of the kimono, during the holiday. These are often adorned with festive patterns and designs related to the New Year.
Music and Songs:
While New Year’s Day in Japan is not typically associated with specific songs and music, there are some traditional tunes that are played during the holiday.
One famous folk song is “Tōgō Shijin no Hi,” which is sung on the first day of the new year to welcome good fortune and happiness. Another popular song is “Ajisai,” which is often played during “hatsumōde” and represents reverence for the gods.
Geographical Spread:
New Year’s Day is a national holiday in Japan and is celebrated throughout the country. However, the way it is observed may vary from region to region.
For example, in regions of Japan with a strong Buddhist influence, temple visits and traditional rituals are more prevalent. In contrast, in areas with a Shinto influence, people may visit shrines or perform traditional customs, such as tossing coins for good fortune.
Modern-Day Observations:
While traditions and customs are an integral part of New Year’s Day in Japan, the holiday has evolved over time and has taken on a more modern twist.
For instance, many people now choose to celebrate the holiday by attending countdown events or watching the famous “Kōhaku Uta Gassen,” a music competition that airs on New Year’s Eve.
Additionally, with the rise of social media, many people share their New Year’s greetings and resolutions online, making the holiday a more global and connected celebration.
Interesting Facts and Trivia:
– In Japan, the first sunrise of the new year is considered a good omen and is believed to bring good luck and prosperity.
– The Tokyo Tower is illuminated with a special “Happy New Year” message during the holiday season.
– In the days leading up to New Year’s Day, many people participate in a deep cleaning ritual called “osōji” to purify their homes and get rid of bad luck.
– The biggest sales season in Japan is also during the new year, with many retailers offering special discounts and promotions.
– On January 2nd, the Emperor delivers a special New Year’s address to the public.
Holiday Wishes:
- Wishing you a happy and prosperous new year.
- May the new year bring you joy, health, and success.
- Cheers to a fresh start and new beginnings in the new year.
- Wishing you and your family a peaceful and harmonious new year.
- May your dreams and wishes come true in the new year.
Holiday Messages:
- Sending you warm wishes and love during the holiday season.
- May you be surrounded by happiness and laughter on this special day.
- Thank you for your support and friendship this past year. Wishing you a wonderful new year ahead.
- May the new year bring you strength, courage, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Although we may be apart, know that you are always in our hearts. Wishing you a happy new year.
Holiday Quotes:
- “For last year’s words belong to last year’s language, and next year’s words await another voice.” – T.S. Eliot
- “Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.” – Oprah Winfrey
- “Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start.” – Nido Qubein
- “New Year’s Day is every person’s birthday” – Charles Lamb
- “The beginning is the most important part of the work.” – Plato
Other Popular Holiday Info:
Over the years, numerous New Year’s celebrations and traditions have been adopted by people around the world. However, the unique and rich culture of Japan brings its own set of customs and practices, making New Year’s Day a festive and meaningful celebration in the country.
From the traditional customs and symbolic decorations to the modern-day celebrations and wishes, New Year’s Day in Japan is a time to honor the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to a bright future.
FAQ:
What is the significance of New Year’s Day in Japan?
New Year’s Day, or “Shōgatsu,” is one of the most important holidays in Japan. It marks the beginning of a new year and is a time for reflection, renewal, and new beginnings. It is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and is a time when people gather with their families and loved ones to celebrate and pray for a prosperous year ahead.
What are some traditional dishes eaten during the holiday?
Some traditional dishes eaten during the holiday include soba, ozōni, and toshikoshi soba. Osechi ryōri, a special New Year’s meal with various auspicious dishes, is also a significant part of the celebration.
What are some common New Year’s greetings in Japan?
Some common New Year’s greetings in Japan include “Akemashite omedetō gozaimasu” (Happy New Year), “Kotoshi mo yoroshiku onegaishimasu” (Please take care of me again this year), and “Ganbatte kudasai” (Do your best).
Conclusion:
New Year’s Day in Japan is a fascinating and meaningful holiday that is steeped in rich culture and tradition. From traditional customs and activities to modern-day celebrations and changes, the holiday continues to hold great significance in Japanese society.
As we reflect on the past year, let us also look forward to the new beginnings and opportunities that the new year brings. From our family to yours, we wish you a happy and prosperous new year.
How to Say "New Year’s Day in Japan" In Different Languages?
- Arabic
- رأس السنة الجديدة (ar-SA)
- Chinese
- 新年 (zh-CN)
- French
- Nouvel An (fr-FR)
- German
- Neujahr (de-DE)
- Hindi
- नया साल (hi-IN)
- Italian
- Capodanno (it-IT)
- Japanese
- 元旦 (ja-JP)
- Korean
- 신년 (ko-KR)
- Portuguese
- Ano Novo (pt-BR)
- Russian
- Новый год (ru-RU)
- Spanish
- Año Nuevo (es-ES)
- Spanish
- Año Nuevo (es-MX)
- Spanish
- Año Nuevo (es-AR)
- Thai
- วันปีใหม่ (th-TH)
- Vietnamese
- Tết Dương lịch (vi-VN)
New Year’s Day in Japan Also Called
"Japan's Known New Year's Day: Celebrating a Festive Start to the Year"
FUN FACT:
In year 1873, New Year’s Day in Japan is celebrated on January 1 for the first time.HOLIDAY CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, please click here to contact us!
Indonesian technical trainees in disaster-hit Japan town determined to stay
NOTO, Ishikawa — Indonesian technical intern trainees in this central Japan town hit hard by the Jan. 1 Noto Peninsula earthquake and tsunami are determined to hang in there despite the difficulties of living in a disaster zone and worries that another calamity could strike. About 20 trainees from Indonesia who came to Japan to work on squid fishing boats are living in Garuda House 2, an accommodation near Ogi Port in the town of Noto. January is off-season for fishing, and the trainees were affected by the quake during their time off. The temblor struck while the trainees were watching TV or playing video games in their dormitories on New Year’s Day. They had no idea what the breaking…
New Year’s Day quake in Japan revives the trauma of 2011 triple disasters
SUZU, Japan (AP) — The powerful earthquake that shattered the peace of New Year’s Day in central Japan did not spur massive tsunamis like those that scoured the Pacific coast in 2011, killing nearly 20,000 people and forcing tens of thousands of people from their homes. The tsunamis that did roll in along the Sea of Japan, on Japan’s western coast, were mostly just a few feet high, rather than waves up to 5 meters (15 feet) tall predicted in alerts issued just after the magnitude 7.6 quake struck on Monday afternoon. But the alarms and evacuation orders, and the dozens of strong quakes that came before and after the main quake on Monday, summoned memories of the triple disasters…
Major Japan quake kills four, triggers tsunami waves
TOKYO — At least four people have been confirmed dead after a major earthquake struck central Japan on Monday (Jan 1), triggering tsunami waves over a metre high, damaging homes and sparking a major blaze. The 7.5-magnitude quake struck Ishikawa prefecture on the Sea of Japan side of the main island of Honshu at 4.10 pm (3.10pm SGT)), according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). Japanese authorities put the magnitude at 7.6 and said that it was one of more than 50 quakes of 3.2 magnitude or more to rock the region on the New Year’s Day holiday — when families get together and visit shrines — over several hours. Television channels interrupted normal services with special programming, including a…
Asian shares mostly down despite solid signs of US growth
TOKYO, Japan — Asian shares were mostly lower on Friday despite upbeat news on the U.S. economy, with Japan’s benchmark falling after the latest data showed inflation has been slowing faster than expected. Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 declined 1.3 percent to finish at 35,751.07 as a key measure of inflation slowed faster than expected in January, to 1.6 percent from 2.4 percent in December. Weaker price increases relieve pressure on the Bank of Japan to tighten its ultra-lax monetary policy, which has pumped massive amounts of cash into markets. The central bank is targeting 2 percent inflation. READ: Inflation in Japan’s capital slips below central bank target “The BOJ will wait to gauge the underlying trend of the inflation path for…
Major earthquake hits central Japan on New Year’s Day, causing casualties, widespread structural damage
TOKYO, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) — A major earthquake hit the central Japanese prefecture of Ishikawa and its vicinity on New Year’s Day, causing heavy casualties and widespread structural damage. Thousands of people were evacuated following tsunami warnings issued along Japan’s western coast. In the aftermath of the quake that roiled the country’s New Year celebrations, the quake-hit and affected regions have been grappling with the immediate impact on infrastructure, transportation systems, and nuclear safety. A series of strong temblors, with a major one of preliminary 7.6 magnitude, hit the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa prefecture at a shallow depth on Monday. The Japan Meteorological Agency has officially named it the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake. The death toll has been climbing, reaching…
Wajima hospital, a disaster base, struggles to treat quake victims | The Asahi Shimbun Asia & Japan Watch
WAJIMA, Ishikawa Prefecture — The ground was still shaking from aftershocks when Makoto Shinagawa heard the first report about conditions at Wajima Municipal Hospital. “We’ve got a huge number of patients coming in,” a staff member told him on the evening of Jan. 1. “The hospital is in a panic.” Since then, Shinagawa, the 65-year-old director of the hospital, has been desperately trying to treat a steady stream of disaster victims, from those with bone-crushing injuries to people suffering from contagious diseases. Although Wajima Municipal Hospital is designated as a disaster base hospital, its many struggles since the Jan. 1 quake underscore the difficulties of preparing for calamities in this earthquake-prone nation. TRIAGE AT HOSPITAL ENTRANCE Shinagawa was returning to…
Japan quake aftermath: Tears, survivor’s guilt, and desperate pleas for help in hard-hit Wajima
WAJIMA, Ishikawa – Mr Kazuhiro Saka’s mind went a complete blank as he witnessed images of the devastation wrought by a New Year’s Day earthquake in his home town Wajima, unable to concentrate on quality time with his family in Tokyo. While he works as a consumer consultant and lives with his wife and three children in the Japanese capital, he was born and raised in Wajima’s Kuroshima neighbourhood. Kuroshima is designated a historically important cultural district for its distinctive wooden buildings and black tiled roofs that date, architecturally, to the Edo era (1603 to 1868). Many of these were levelled by the magnitude-7.6 tremor that struck at 4.10pm on Japan’s most important festive holiday. Its strength, at the maximum…
IN PHOTOS: Japan hit by massive earthquake on New Year’s Day
TOKYO — Tsunami waves over a meter high hit Japan on Monday after a huge earthquake that damaged homes, set off a major fire, closed highways and prompted authorities to urge people to run to higher ground. The 7.5-magnitude quake struck the Noto region in Ishikawa prefecture on the Sea of Japan side of the main central island of Honshu at around 4:10 pm (0710 GMT), the US Geological Survey (USGS) said. Japan’s weather agency put the magnitude at 7.6 and said that it was one of more than 50 quakes of 3.2 magnitude or more to rock the region on the New Year’s Day holiday — when families get together and visit shrines — over several hours.
Residents told to run and evacuate as quickly as possible after major Japan quake triggers tsunami waves
TOKYO: Tsunami waves over a metre high hit Japan on Monday after a huge earthquake that damaged homes, set off a major fire, closed highways and prompted authorities to urge people to run to higher ground. The 7.5-magnitude quake struck the Noto region in Ishikawa prefecture on the Sea of Japan side of the main central island of Honshu at around 4:10 pm (0710 GMT), the US Geological Survey (USGS) said. Japan’s weather agency put the magnitude at 7.6 and said that it was one of more than 50 quakes of 3.2 magnitude or more to rock the region on the New Year’s Day holiday — when families get together and visit shrines — over several hours. Television channels interrupted…
Major Japan Quake Kills Four, Triggers Tsunami Waves – UrduPoint
Tokyo, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 2nd Jan, 2024) At least four people have been confirmed dead after a major earthquake struck central Japan on Monday, triggering tsunami waves over a metre high, damaging homes and sparking a major blaze. The 7.5-magnitude quake struck Ishikawa prefecture on the Sea of Japan side of the main island of Honshu at 4:10 pm (0710 GMT), according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). Japanese authorities put the magnitude at 7.6 and said that it was one of more than 50 quakes of 3.2 magnitude or more to rock the region on the New Year’s Day holiday — when families get together and visit shrines — over several hours. Television channels…
Donald Keene’s Japan (Pt. 48): Starting the New Year with Japanese friends and food
TOKYO — In the early 1980s, Donald Keene was just about to reach the age of 60. He became settled, and established a lifestyle where he spent the first half of the year teaching classes as a university professor in New York and the latter half in Japan, busying himself with writing, lectures, and research. In an autobiographical passage, Keene describes his yearly rituals, or “nenchugyoji,” during the New Year’s holiday in Japan around this time. The reader can glimpse his gradual transformation into a Japanese local as he adapted to the country’s customs. During the 1980s my life tended to consist of a series of nenchugyoji (annual events). New Year’s Eve each year would be spent with Abe Kobo…
Helpless: Japan Earthquake Shatters New Year Calm – UrduPoint
Shika, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 2nd Jan, 2024) Waiting in the cold, hundreds of residents of the earthquake-hit Japanese town of Shika stood in a queue to get rations of a suddenly scarce, but vital, commodity: drinking water. The line snaked out the door and around the town hall building, past paving stones jutting out of the ground that were forced upwards by the powerful series of tremors on New Year’s Day. Taps ran dry in many homes as dozens of aftershocks rocked Shika and other towns in the central Ishikawa region following a 7.5-magnitude earthquake. Among those waiting for their six allocated litres (1.6 gallons) of water on Tuesday was Tsugumasa Mihara, who told AFP…
Helpless: Japan Earthquake Shatters New Year Calm – UrduPoint
Shika, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 2nd Jan, 2024) Waiting in the cold, hundreds of residents of the earthquake-hit Japanese town of Shika stood in a queue to get rations of a suddenly scarce, but vital, commodity: drinking water. The line snaked out the door and around the town hall building, past paving stones jutting out of the ground that were forced upwards by the powerful series of tremors on New Year’s Day. Taps ran dry in many homes as dozens of aftershocks rocked Shika and other towns in the central Ishikawa region after the initial earthquake. Among those waiting for their six allocated litres (1.6 gallons) of water on Tuesday was Tsugumasa Mihara, who told AFP…
Fires hit Japan quake zone as rescuers race to reach survivors
TOKYO — Rescue efforts continue in Japan after at least 64 people were killed in a powerful earthquake that hit the country on New Year’s Day. Homes collapsed, buildings caught fire and roads were extensively damaged, hindering the work of rescue services. The epicentre of the 7.6 quake was the Noto peninsula, in central Japan. The Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, said that emergency services were locked in a “race against time” to rescue survivors. “More than 40 hours have passed since the disaster. We have received a lot of information about people in need of rescue and there are people waiting for help,” Kishida said Wednesday after an emergency task force meeting. He also said some 3,000 rescuers were trying…
Japan Airlines estimates loss of about $105 million from collision
TOKYO :Japan Airlines (JAL) estimated on Thursday that the collision of its flight JL516 with a Japan Coast Guard aircraft on Tuesday would result in an operating loss of about 15 billion yen ($104.81 million). The loss of the aircraft will be covered by insurance, the company said, adding it was assessing the impact on its earnings forecast for the financial year ending March 31. Insurance industry sources have said U.S. insurer AIG was the lead insurer on a $130 million “all-risks” policy for the two-year-old JAL Airbus A350 widebody jet that was destroyed by a fire after the collision at Tokyo’s Haneda airport. It was the first-ever hull loss globally for the A350 model, according to Aviation Safety Network.…
AsiaOne
TOKYO — Japan Airlines (JAL) estimated on Thursday (Jan 4) that the collision of its flight JL516 with a Japan Coast Guard aircraft on Tuesday would result in an operating loss of about 15 billion yen (S$140 million). The loss of the aircraft will be covered by insurance, the company said, adding it was assessing the impact on its earnings forecast for the financial year ending March 31. Insurance industry sources have said US insurer AIG was the lead insurer on a US$130 million (S$170 million) “all-risks” policy for the two-year-old JAL Airbus A350 widebody jet that was destroyed by a fire after the collision at Tokyo’s Haneda airport. It was the first-ever hull loss globally for the A350 model,…
Japan Airlines estimates loss of about $139 million from collision
TOKYO – Japan Airlines (JAL) estimated on Jan 4 that the collision of its flight JL516 with a Japan Coast Guard aircraft on Jan 2 would result in an operating loss of about 15 billion yen (S$139 million). The loss of the aircraft will be covered by insurance, the company said, adding it was assessing the impact on its earnings forecast for the financial year ending March 31. Insurance industry sources have said US insurer AIG was the lead insurer on a US$130 million “all-risks” policy for the two-year-old JAL Airbus A350 widebody jet that was destroyed by a fire after the collision at Tokyo’s Haneda airport. It was the first-ever hull loss globally for the A350 model, according to…
Japan bond yields rise on 2024 restart in catch-up with US peers
TOKYO, Jan 4 (Reuters) – Japanese government bond (JGB) yields ticked higher on Thursday, catching up with a rise in U.S. Treasury yields as markets in the Asian nation reopened from an extended New Year holiday. At the same time, expectations that a devastating earthquake on Japan’s west coast would prevent an early end to the Bank of Japan’s (BOJ) stimulus prevented JGB yields from rising too much. The 10-year JGB yield was flat at 0.615% as of 0530 GMT, after starting the day by rising 1 basis point (bp). The 30-year JGB yield rose 2 bps to a three-week high of 1.655%, while the 20-year yield added 1 bp to 1.390%, a more than two-week peak. Although benchmark U.S.…
Japan bond yields rise on 2024 restart in catch-up with US peers
TOKYO, Jan 4 (Reuters) – Japanese government bond (JGB) yields ticked higher on Thursday, catching up with a rise in U.S. Treasury yields as markets in the Asian nation reopened from an extended New Year holiday. At the same time, expectations that a devastating earthquake on Japan’s west coast would prevent an early end to the Bank of Japan’s (BOJ) stimulus prevented JGB yields from rising too much. The 10-year JGB yield was flat at 0.615% as of 0530 GMT, after starting the day by rising 1 basis point (bp). The 30-year JGB yield rose 2 bps to a three-week high of 1.655%, while the 20-year yield added 1 bp to 1.390%, a more than two-week peak. Although benchmark U.S.…
Japan Airlines counts losses from wrecked Tokyo plane
TOKYO: Japan Airlines (JAL) on Thursday (Jan 4) said it expected losses of about 15 billion yen (US$105 million) after one of its planes was destroyed when it collided with another aircraft on the runway at Tokyo’s Haneda airport this week. All 379 people on board the JAL Airbus A350 widebody jet escaped before the plane was completely engulfed in flames that took more than six hours to extinguish. But five of the six crew of the other aircraft – a smaller Coast Guard plane that had been on its way to deliver aid to quake-hit regions on Japan’s west coast – were killed, with the surviving pilot badly injured. The loss of the aircraft will be covered by insurance,…